At Home with the Lectionary

In this episode, we discuss the readings for the fourth Sunday in Lent Year A in the Lectionary cycle: John 9:1-41; Ephesians 5:8-14; Psalm 23; 1 Samuel 16:1-13.

We discuss Jesus healing of the man born blind, the layered imagery of spiritual seeing and unseeing, and Jesus' declaration that He Himself has come to bring light to the world. We consider Paul's invitation to walk as children of the light and to scatter the darkness by exposing all things to light. We sojourn in Psalm 23 and soak up the goodness and beauty of the Lord's faithful shepherding. We conclude with a brief look at Samuel anointing David to be King.

Notes:
--K.J. Ramsey's The Lord is My Courage and The Book of Common Courage: Prayers and Poems to Find Strength in the Small Moments
--The Bible and Disability: A Commentary
--Prayers of the People for the season of Lent, Year A
--Metrical Collect for the 4th Sunday in Lent

The Bible Project
--Bible Project's overview of John
--Bible Project's overview of Ephesians
--Bible Project's overview of 1 Samuel
--Bible Project's overview of the Psalms

4:46 Collect
5:15 John 9:1-41
30:50 Ephesians 5:8-14
43:59 Psalm 23
52:32 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we discuss the readings for the third Sunday in Lent Year A in the Lectionary cycle: John 4:5-42; Romans 5:1-11; Psalm 95; Exodus 17:1-7.

We discuss Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, Paul's discussion of Jesus' work of reconciling us to God, and Israel's rebellion at Massah and Meribah, and the Psalmist's reflection on this moment. Themes: living water, God's wrath, the abundance of God's love, and the imagery of Christ as the rock struck to bring us life.

Notes:
-Hinds Feet on High Place, by: Hannah Hurnard

The Bible Project
--Bible Project's overview of John
--Bible Project's overview of Romans
--Bible Project's overview of Exodus
--Bible Project's video on sin
--Bible Project podcast on the Temptation of Jesus
--Bible Project resources on what the Bible means by talking about God's anger and wrath.

--Prayers of the People for the season of Lent, Year A
--Metrical Collect for the 3rd Sunday in Lent

3:24 Collect
4:06 John 4:5-42
27:20 Romans 5:1-11
51:59 Psalm 95
1:01:00 Exodus 17:1-7

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we discuss the readings for the second Sunday in Lent, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: John 3:1-17; Romans 4:15-, 13-17; Psalm 121; Genesis 12:1-4a

We discuss Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, the example of Abraham's faith, the imagery in the Psalm of ascent, and God's covenant promise to Abraham.

Notes:
-Fr. Bruce Waltke's book The Psalms as Worship
-Free YouTube playlist of Fr. Bruce lecturing on the Psalms

The Bible Project
--Bible Project's overview of John
--Bible Project's overview of Romans
--Bible Project's overview of Genesis
--Bible Project's video on sin
--Bible Project podcast on the Temptation of Jesus

--Prayers of the People for the season of Lent, Year A
--Metrical Collect for the 2nd Sunday in Lent

Recommended Lenten Resources:
--A Lenten Invitation to a Fasting Buffet (with book recommendations), from: Beth Felker Jones
--Dr. Esau McCaulley's primer on Lent
--Fleming Rutledge's book The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ
--Reader's Theater Passion Narrative Script
--Listening track for Lent from the Dwell App
--Some book recommendations for Lent from Marissa
--Anne Rice's book Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana (I recommend the audio version).


8:37 Collect
9:17 John 3:1-17
27:03 Romans 4:15-, 13-17
38:30 Psalm 121
52:52 Genesis 12:1-4a

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

Many years ago we watched a close friend walk with a loved one through a diagnosis of terminal cancer. In 2007 we made this recording as a gift of courage to the suffering and their families, particularly for those who find themselves physically unable – for whatever reason – to read the Scriptures. Please forgive the older sound quality, but we archive it here in with the hope that it will continue to bring comfort and hope. All readings come from the NLT, and the music is an original composition.

May the Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end.

0:00 Psalm 16

1:25 1 Corinthians 15.35-58

5:16 John 14.1-3,27

6:15 Psalm 18.28-36

7:20 Zephaniah 3.17

7:39 Matthew 6.25-34

9:06 Hebrews 12.1-3

10:00 Psalm 139.1-6,13-18,23-24

12:06 Psalm 86.1-13

13:44 Lamentations 3.19-26

14:43 Hosea 6.1-3

15:20 Isaiah 43.1-5

16:26 Excerpts from Psalm 69

18:28 Isaiah 41.10

18:55 Psalm 62.1-2,5-7

19:42 Romans 8.18-39

23:44 Revelation 21.1-7

25:16 Revelation 22.1-5

26:13 2 Corinthians 5.1-9

27:41 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18

28:51 Philippians 4.4-7

29:50 Psalm 23

30:56 Excerpts from Psalm31

33:16 Psalm 27.8-10,14

34:00 Excerpts from Psalm 46

34:47 Song “All Will be Whole”

36:28 Psalm 63.1-8

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we discuss the readings for the first Sunday in Lent, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Matthew 4:1-11; Romans 5:12-19; Psalm 32; Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7.

We begin by mentioning Lenten resources and preparation for the season. We discuss Jesus' temptation in the wilderness and Paul's doctrinal discourse on original sin and Jesus's saving work. We also look at David's Psalm of confession and the deliverance of forgiveness and close by considering temptation in the Garden.

Notes:
The Bible Project
--Bible Project's overview of Matthew
--Bible Project's overview of Romans
--Bible Project's overview of Genesis
--Bible Project's video on sin
--Bible Project podcast on the Temptation of Jesus

--Prayers of the People for the season of Lent, Year A

Recommended Lenten Resources:
--A Lenten Invitation to a Fasting Buffet (with book recommendations), from: Beth Felker Jones
--Dr. Esau McCaulley's primer on Lent
--Fleming Rutledge's book The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ
--Reader's Theater Passion Narrative Script
--Listening track for Lent from the Dwell App
--Some book recommendations for Lent from Marissa
--Anne Rice's book Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana (I recommend the audio version).


0:43 Resources for Lent
13:05 Collect
13:36 Matthew 4:1-11
27:43 Romans 5:12-19
47:48 Psalm 32
59:29 Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we discuss the readings for the last Sunday after the Epiphany, which is also Transfiguration Sunday, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Matthew 17:1-9; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Psalm 99 (or Psalm 2); Exodus 24:12-18.

We wonder at the marvelous account of the Transfiguration, consider Peter's direct eye-witness testimony, highlight God's attributes named in the Psalm, and close with the dramatic scene of Moses on the mountain.

Notes:
The Bible Project
--Bible Project's overview of Matthew
--Bible Project's overview of 2 Peter
--Bible Project's overview of Deuteronomy

--Prayers of the People for the season after the Epiphany

0:43 Collect
2:08 Matthew 17:1-9
17:01 2 Peter 1:16-21
26:15 Psalm 99
33:02 Exodus 24:12-18

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we discuss the readings for the sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Matthew 5:21-37; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Psalm 119:1-8; Deuteronomy 30:15-20.

We consider the portions of Jesus' Sermon the Mount that address anger, hatred, lust, adultery, divorce, and oath breaking, and our inability to keep the Law. We briefly discuss Paul's description of humble church leadership that recognizes God brings life and growth as well as the invitation to walk in God's life-giving ways found in the Psalm and Deuteronomy.

Notes:
The Bible Project
--Bible Project's overview of Matthew
--Bible Project's overview of 1 Corinthians
--Bible Project's overview of Deuteronomy

--Metrical Collect for the 6th Sunday after the Epiphany
--Prayers of the People for the season after the Epiphany

7:52 Collect
8:46 Matthew 5:21-37
44:43 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
49:22 Psalm 119:1-8
52:15 Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we discuss the readings for the fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Matthew 5:13-20; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; Psalm 112:1-10; Isaiah 58:1-12.

We consider Jesus' teaching to His followers that identifies them as beneficial salt and light in the world. We speculate on Paul's statements about having the mind of Christ and discerning things spiritually. We discuss the Psalmist's invitation to walk in God's life-giving blessed ways which include qualities and actions that reflect God's character in communal life. We get goosebumps over Isaiah's prophetic indictment of religiously performative people and his gorgeous call for God's people to actively pursue justice in their communities.

Notes:
The Bible Project
--Bible Project's overview of Matthew
--Bible Project's overview of 1 Corinthians
--Bible Project's overview of Isaiah

--Metrical Collect for the 5th Sunday after the Epiphany
--Prayers of the People for the season after the Epiphany
--Article about Hody Childress, a farmer who gave generously
--Link to sermons at Advent Anglican - look for Fr. Bruce Waltke's when it goes live!

2:48 Collect
3:14Matthew 5:13-20
29:17 1 Corinthians 2:1-16
41:52 Psalm 112:1-10
58:21 Isaiah 58:1-12

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we discuss the readings for the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Matthew 5:1-12; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Psalm 15; Micah 6:1-8.

We consider the Beatitudes as a component of Jesus' announcement of His kingdom as He teaches His disciples about Himself as revealed in the ministry they have just witnessed. We discuss Paul's teaching on the way God's wisdom offers the grace of humility and an invitation to stop striving for prominence. We look at the NET's study notes in Psalm 15 and mark the prominence of love for neighbor as ab actionable character quality for those who draw near to God. We conclude with the Micah's prophetic pronunciation against the way the kingdom of Israel at that time explicitly distorted God's character as a contrast to the invitation of the Beatitudes.

Notes:
The Bible Project
--Bible Project's overview of Matthew
--Bible Project's overview of 1 Corinthians
--Bible Project's overview of Micah

--Metrical Collect for the 4th Sunday after the Epiphany
--Learn more about the NET Bible
--Quote from Inn of the Sixth Happiness re: Gladys Aylward: "She walks through a world full of evil and sees only children, and not complicated or cruel, just untidy ones who need to be washed and fed and loved."

4:04 Collect
5:52 Matthew 5:1-12
25:40 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
38:26 Psalm 15
48:50 Micah 6:1-8

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we discuss the readings for the third Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Matthew 4:12-23; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Psalm 27:1, 5-13; Isaiah 9:1-4.

We consider Jesus' ministry of teaching, preaching & healing the suffering, particularly in light of conversation within the disability community. We look at Paul's correction of schism and what it means for the Body of Christ throughout the ages. We discuss David's emotional plea in the midst of fear for nearness and intimacy with the Lord. We wonder at Isaiah's gorgeous imagery of the promised light of God's salvation dawning on the darkness and gloom of the individual and collective human condition.

Notes:
The Bible Project
--Bible Project's overview of Matthew
--Bible Project's overview of 1 Corinthians
--Bible Project's overview of Isaiah 1-39

--To Be a Christian: The Anglican Catechism in a Year podcast
--The Bible and Disability: A Commentary

QUOTE FROM N.T. WRIGHT

I was convinced it was a helicopter. It was a dark night, and a bright light was shining just above the nearby town. Surely, I thought, the police must be out looking for a criminal; or perhaps there had been an accident. We had just come from the city, and our eyes weren’t yet adjusted for the dark night-time out in the country. But there, plain for all to see, was a light in the sky: a bright, almost dazzling light that could only have come, I was convinced, from a man-made searchlight attached to an aeroplane or helicopter.

But I was wrong, as our taxi-driver took delight in pointing out to me. It was the planet Venus. It was at one of its closest points to our planet, Earth; it was hanging in the evening sky, brighter than I would ever have imagined. My eyes were too used to the city streetlights. I had forgotten just how bright, and how beautiful and evocative, the night sky can be.

The ancient world, innocent of streetlights, never forgot the night sky. Many people, particularly in the countries to the east of Palestine, had developed the study of the stars and the planets to a fine art, giving each one very particular meanings. They believed, after all, that the whole world was of a piece; everything was interconnected, and when something important was happening on earth you could expect to see it reflected in the heavens. Alternatively, a remarkable event among the stars and planets must mean, they thought, a remarkable event on earth.

 Wright, T. (2004). Matthew for Everyone, Part 1: Chapters 1-15 (p. 10). London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

Commentaries on 1 Corinthians:
--NT Wright's For Everyone Study Guide on 1 Corinthians
--Gordon Fee's academic commentary on 1 Corinthians

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.